Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

One of the most unique features in Monterey County is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This paved path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. Commuters, residents, and visitors use it to avoid busy roads, get exercise or enjoy a scenic trip.

You can enjoy all Monterey attractions along the waterfront trail, including Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, beaches, parks, historic sites and Downtown Monterey.

Several local businesses offer bicycle, kayak, surfboard, paddle board, in-line skate and surrey (canopied quadricycles capable of seating up to six people) rentals along the path. Every mile offers scenic vistas and wildlife viewing, including harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, birds and sometimes even whales!

The most abiding joy to be had on the Monterey Peninsula is simply enjoying the rugged coastal scenery, and there’s no better way to soak it up than on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This paved, multi-use path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. To get started, we suggest strolling the segment between Cannery Row and Asilomar State Beach, which will take about an hour at a moderate walking pace. more »

If it's coastal hiking that you are interested in, start in Monterey, where you can join the throngs of people and pups out for a stroll on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, a paved, multi-use path that stretches 18 scenic miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, hugging a route once used by the Southern Pacific Railway. The Pacific Grove section is a particular DogTrekker favorite. It hugs a stretch of coastline marked by dramatic rock formations, crashing waves, cawing gulls, braying sea lions and passing whales. Clamber down to Asilomar Beach for a close look at wetsuit-clad surfers and life-filled tidepools (but do keep Sparky on a leash). more »